A special journey: two months in the US

Dear all,

A new month has begun and in a week I'll embark on a special journey...

I'm going to El Paso, Texas, for two months for an orientation and preparation program with Maryknoll Lay Missioners! My contract with the SMA is ending, and I'm very grateful to be able to continue my missionary work with a new organization.

It's not something that just "fell out of the blue," as I've been in contact with them for quite some time and have completed a series of interviews and reports. I kept it quiet for a long time because I needed the time to investigate this personally.

Website: www.mklm.org

My flight to Dar es Salaam is on October 9th, and from there I'll fly to Doha, Texas, and then on to El Paso. I'll be on the road for three days!

Now, it's not so much the journey itself that's stressful, but more that I have to miss my family (Lau and the kids) for so long, and they miss me. Eight weeks is a long time, and it will be really tough at times, but we also realize that this is the sacrifice we have to make to continue our lives in Mwanza. I have every confidence that the children will be fine, because they are in their safe and familiar environment and in the caring hands of their "baba" and our dear "dadas" Eva and Grace. Of course, nothing compares to Mom's care and attention, but I console myself with the idea that it also teaches your children to be flexible and that things sometimes go differently than they're used to. For me, too, this is a process of daring to let go and trusting that things will work out.

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"Unity is strength, when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved"

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You're probably wondering, "What's next for the Work&Shop?!" It's continuing as planned! Phase 4 of the construction (see previous blog) has been successfully completed, and the required funding for Phase 5 (a total of €16,500) is almost reached. We're currently waiting for confirmation from Wilde Ganzen for our second round of collaboration. While I'm watching from the other side of the world, the team continues its activities. I'll be back in early December, and then we'll continue preparing together for the opening planned for February next year. Because it's a community project, and I'd like them to lead the workshop, I'll only be part-time at the Work&Shop after the opening, and working part-time on other wonderful Maryknoll projects (we're still working out which ones). For further updates, visit our website www.workandshop.co.tz and follow us on social media (@workandshop_mwanza). We can't say it enough—a huge thank you to everyone for all your support!

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"Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women."

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The LULU project remains of the SMA and will be continued by missionaries from Tanga House (also an SMA project). I look back on six wonderful years with the SMA community, and especially with all the girls from the project whom we were able to mentor. A huge thank you to Liesbeth Glas and Jos Pijpers, who were always there for me (and still are), and here in Tanzania, thanks to John Kilcoyne (SMA superior). Thanks also to the WNM, whose financial support made my mission possible.

In the coming years, I will remain associated with SMA Netherlands, which also means that we can continue to receive donations via the well-known Bresillac Foundation account.

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Direction Guardian: Choose Your Path.

Connect with your deepest desires, then choose the path that will make your heart and soul sing.

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This morning I drew the Direction Guardian card, and the words "choose your path" confirm for me that I'm going to do this and that it aligns with my personal desires. Ultimately, it's not so much about which path you choose in life, as long as you choose with your heart. The universe will then open up more for you, and beautiful things will come your way.

I'm really looking forward to getting away from the daily responsibilities and immersing myself in a new environment. Not being the "jack of all trades" for a while, but just being Suus, hahaha!

In El Paso, we'll be a group of ten participants, and I'm looking forward to getting to know them and sharing our passion for mission with each other. We will be doing volunteer work too at different aid centers for the homeless and immigrants (El Paso is near the Mexican boarder).

The past few years have been incredibly busy (the Lulu project, Nelson's arrival, building our house, yoga courses/teaching, fundraising, and building Work&Shop, etc.), which has left me feeling like I've had little time or peace for reflection, deepening my faith. I hope to have more time for that now, and of course, my yoga mat is coming along!

We are currently caring for my sick sister-in-law, who has been staying with us since last week. She initially stayed in our guest room, where she could be cared for in peace, but because her recovery wasn't progressing, she is now hospitalized. My sincere thanks to my immediate family for covering the costs. It's very intensive to care for someone sick almost full-time, but also very beautiful to be able to do so with dedication and love. Please keep her in your thoughts (and prayers) so that she recovers quickly. She is my age, and her husband and six young children are waiting for her at home. I so hope she recovers, so that I too can begin my journey with some peace of mind...

To conclude this blog, I want to share a lovely quote from Jane Goodall, who died on October 1st at the age of 91 (my her soul rest in peace). You must be familiar with her... She was an English scientist and anthropologist known for her research on chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania during the 1960s. She soon gained recognition as an activist and inspired many, including myself, to strive for a better world.

Talks are underway in Egypt regarding an initial agreement to end the conflict in Gaza, with the US and Qatar among those participating. It's odd to consider that I'll soon be visiting these countries (with a layover in Qatar) amidst such global events. I'm attempting to make my own contribution along my journey. It may be just a drop in the ocean, but even small drops create ripples...

Dear all, you'll hear from me soon! In December, I'll let you know how my time in El Paso was and what the new year at MKLM will bring!

Greetings from Mwanza,

Susanne